PIC16F526T-I/ST - 8-Bit 20MHz MCU 1.5KB Flash 14-TSSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F526T-I/ST ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.21 | $1.21 |
| 10 | $1.08 | $10.80 |
| 100 | $0.95 | $95.00 |
| 500 | $0.86 | $430.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.78 | $780.00 |
| 2,500 | $0.71 | $1,775.00 |
PIC16F526T-I/ST Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, non-volatile program memory, volatile data memory (RAM), and a set of programmable peripherals (ADC, timers, GPIO, communication blocks) on a single silicon die. Within the broader taxonomy, PIC16F526 belongs to the 8-bit PIC family, which sits under the RISC MCU class, which in turn is a sub-category of microcontrollers, embedded processors, and finally integrated circuits. Its small footprint and integrated analog make it well suited to cost-sensitive and space-constrained embedded designs where an external ADC and crystal would inflate both BOM and PCB area.
Key features that distinguish this part include the nanoWatt Technology power-management suite (sleep current typically below 100 nA), a configurable internal oscillator that eliminates the need for an external crystal in most designs, an 8-bit ADC with 8 input channels, and 12 GPIO pins arranged for mixed digital/analog use. The Flash program memory supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP), enabling firmware updates in the field without removing the device from the PCB.
Architecturally, the PIC16F526 uses a Harvard-style 14-bit instruction set optimized for compact code density. The device includes a 4-channel comparator block and a capture/compare/PWM (CCP) module, both common peripherals in motor control and analog signal conditioning applications. Its internal oscillator is factory-calibrated to within +/-1 percent across voltage and temperature, allowing timing-sensitive UART and PWM designs to operate without external resonator components.
Typical applications span small consumer appliances, sensor signal conditioning front-ends, low-cost LED lighting controllers, battery-powered remote controls, and white-goods user-interface modules. The wide operating voltage and integrated ADC simplify designs that previously required a dedicated analog front-end IC alongside the microcontroller.
When designing with this part, evaluate whether the 1.5KB program memory and 64 bytes of RAM satisfy the firmware footprint. Applications requiring complex protocol stacks or graphical interfaces typically need a larger PIC16 or PIC18 device, but the PIC16F526 remains a strong choice where cost, small package size, and integrated analog are the dominant constraints.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, parametric data from the manufacturer datasheet, and drop-in alternative information specific to the 14-pin TSSOP footprint of the PIC16F526 family, providing an at-a-glance comparison that complements Microchip's product documentation.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F526T-I/ST — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with PIC16F526T-I/ST (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Internal Oscillator, ADC, Timers, Instruction Set.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F526-I/ST
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.72 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F526T-I/MG
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F526-I/SL
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F526-I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F506-E/ST
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.71 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F526T-I/ST Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-bit RISC Microcontroller (MCU) |
| Family | PIC16F |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 1.5 KB (1K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 67 bytes |
| EEPROM | 64 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| ADC | 8-bit, 8 channels |
| Comparators | 2 |
| Number of I/O Pins | 12 |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit |
| PWM Modules | 1 (CCP) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 14-TSSOP (ST) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Oscillator | Internal 8 MHz (factory calibrated, +/-1%) |
| ICSP / In-Circuit Programming | Yes |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F526T-I/ST Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive power supply |
| Pin 2 | RA5/AN5/C1OUT — GPIO RA5 / ADC channel 5 / Comparator 1 output |
| Pin 3 | RA4/AN4/T0CKI — GPIO RA4 / ADC channel 4 / Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR/VPP — GPIO RA3 / Master Clear (reset) / Programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | RC5 — GPIO RC5 |
| Pin 6 | RC4 — GPIO RC4 |
| Pin 7 | RC3/AN7 — GPIO RC3 / ADC channel 7 |
| Pin 8 | RC2/AN6 — GPIO RC2 / ADC channel 6 |
| Pin 9 | RC1/AN5 — GPIO RC1 / ADC channel 5 |
| Pin 10 | RC0/AN4 — GPIO RC0 / ADC channel 4 |
| Pin 11 | RA2/AN2/CVREF — GPIO RA2 / ADC channel 2 / Comparator voltage reference |
| Pin 12 | RA1/AN1/C1IN- — GPIO RA1 / ADC channel 1 / Comparator 1 negative input |
| Pin 13 | RA0/AN0/C1IN+ — GPIO RA0 / ADC channel 0 / Comparator 1 positive input |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC16F526T-I/ST is suitable for 7 applications: Low-Cost Sensor Signal Conditioning, Consumer Appliance User Interface, LED Lighting Controllers, Battery-Powered Remote Controls, White Goods Control Boards, Small Motor Speed Control, Cost-Sensitive Hobbyist and Maker Projects.
Low-Cost Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16F526T-I/ST fits sensor-conditioning front-ends because it integrates an 8-channel 8-bit ADC, 2 analog comparators, and 12 GPIO in a 14-TSSOP package that occupies less than 22 mm^2 of PCB area. Its 2.0V to 5.5V supply range accepts battery, 3.3V LDO, or 5V rails directly without level shifting. Placed adjacent to a Wheatstone-bridge or thermistor network, the MCU digitizes the analog signal and applies linearization or thresholding in firmware, replacing dedicated analog front-end ICs. The factory-calibrated internal oscillator at +/-1% supports PWM excitation of the sensor at predictable frequencies, while nanoWatt sleep currents below 1 uA allow battery-powered nodes to sleep for years. Trade-off: the 8-bit ADC provides roughly 0.4% full-scale resolution, so high-precision applications should consider a 10-bit or 12-bit MCU.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance User Interface
The PIC16F526T-I/ST powers appliance UI modules (washing machines, microwaves, induction cooktops) by reading capacitive or resistive touch buttons via its ADC channels and driving LED indicators through its PWM/CCP module. With 12 GPIO and 64 bytes of EEPROM, it can store user preferences and calibration data across power cycles. The 14-TSSOP footprint fits behind a display panel without crowding the main power board. nanoWatt Technology keeps standby power below typical Energy Star limits. Trade-off: designers needing USB or CAN connectivity must select a different MCU since the PIC16F526 has no hardware UART.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC16F526T-I/ST drives LED strips and indicator panels through its 16-bit timer and CCP PWM module, dimming channels with 10-bit resolution at low frequencies (no flicker). Its 8 MHz internal oscillator eliminates the external crystal typically required for stable PWM, reducing assembly cost. The wide 2.0V to 5.5V supply range directly accepts single-cell Li-Ion (3.7V nominal) or USB-powered 5V inputs. Trade-off: high-current LED strings require external MOSFET drivers; the MCU's GPIO can source only tens of mA per pin.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Remote Controls
The PIC16F526T-I/ST fits IR/RF remote controls because nanoWatt Technology drops quiescent current below 100 nA in sleep mode, allowing coin-cell batteries to last the entire product lifetime. Wake-up from sleep is fast, and 12 GPIO accommodate 8-12 button matrices with diode-isolation or charlieplexing. The integrated 8-bit ADC enables battery voltage monitoring for low-battery indicators. Trade-off: the 1.5 KB program memory constrains the firmware complexity; advanced remotes with bidirectional feedback require a larger PIC16 or PIC18 device.
Recommended
White Goods Control Boards
The PIC16F526T-I/ST runs the simple sub-controllers in white goods (dishwashers, refrigerators, dryers) that handle user inputs, LED indicators, and basic sensor monitoring. Its -40C to +85C industrial temperature rating covers under-cabinet and motor-compartment environments, while the 14-TSSOP package withstands standard SMT reflow profiles. The 64 bytes of EEPROM store run-hours and error logs for service diagnostics. Trade-off: designs requiring safety-critical relay control with redundant monitoring should add a hardware watchdog or move to a higher-tier MCU with certified safety libraries.
Recommended
Small Motor Speed Control
The PIC16F526T-I/ST drives small DC or brushed motors using its CCP PWM output and feedback through the ADC channels. With a 20 MHz instruction cycle, the PWM frequency can reach tens of kHz above the audible range, eliminating motor whine. Closed-loop RPM control via back-EMF or tachometer feedback uses the on-chip comparator for hardware zero-cross detection, offloading firmware. Trade-off: high-current or BLDC motors require external gate drivers and MOSFET bridges - the PIC16F526 GPIO pins cannot source motor current directly.
Recommended
Cost-Sensitive Hobbyist and Maker Projects
The PIC16F526T-I/ST suits hobby and educational projects where simplicity, low cost (under USD 1.30 at qty 1), and a breadboard-friendly 14-TSSOP footprint matter most. It programs over ICSP using inexpensive tools like the PICkit 3 or 4, and Microchip's free MPLAB X IDE supports the device with C18 and XC8 compilers. The 1.5 KB Flash accommodates small sensor-reading or PWM demos while leaving headroom for iterative development. Trade-off: serious makers building complex IoT or BLE projects should move to PIC18 or 32-bit families with more memory and peripherals.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F526T-I/ST — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F526-I/ST | PIC16F526T-I/MG | PIC16F526-I/SL | PIC16F526-I/P | PIC16F506-E/ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 14-TSSOP | 14-TSSOP (same) | 14-TSSOP/QFN variant | 14-SOIC | 14-DIP | 14-TSSOP (same) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB |
| EEPROM | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | None |
| RAM | 67 bytes | 67 bytes | 67 bytes | 67 bytes | 67 bytes | 67 bytes |
| ADC | 8-bit, 8-ch | 8-bit, 8-ch | 8-bit, 8-ch | 8-bit, 8-ch | 8-bit, 8-ch | 8-bit, 8-ch |
| Comparators | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Internal Oscillator | 8 MHz calibrated | 8 MHz calibrated | 8 MHz calibrated | 8 MHz calibrated | 8 MHz calibrated | 8 MHz calibrated |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 64-byte EEPROM for non-volatile parameter storage (vs PIC16F506-E/ST)
- Dual on-chip analog comparators for hardware signal conditioning (vs PIC16F506-E/ST)
- Smallest same-footprint MCU with 8-channel 8-bit ADC + 2 comparators + EEPROM (vs PIC16F526-I/SL (SOIC-14 variant))
Design Notes
Estimated: at VDD=5V, 20 MHz active current is approximately 4 mA, dropping to under 1 uA in sleep with the nanoWatt modes enabled. Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin, and add a 10 uF bulk capacitor if the supply traces exceed 25 mm. For battery applications, use the sleep/wake scheme in the datasheet's 'Power-Managed Modes' section to extend cell life.
The 14-TSSOP footprint requires thermal relief pads on all TSSOP leads to prevent tombstoning during reflow. Solder paste stencil aperture should be roughly 1:1 with the pad (0.4 mm wide for the standard 0.65 mm pitch TSSOP). Keep the ICSP connector within 50 mm of the MCLR/RA3/VPP pin to avoid signal-integrity problems during programming.
Do not leave the MCLR pin floating - tie it to VDD through a 10 kOhm resistor, or use the internal MCLR configuration if MCLR is disabled in the configuration words. Also, when using the ADC, add at least 1 us of acquisition time (configured via the ADC register) before starting conversion; otherwise readings become noisy. Avoid switching heavy loads on adjacent GPIO pins during ADC sampling.
When the PIC16F526T-I/ST reads a sensor through the ADC, use a hardware RC low-pass filter (10 kOhm + 100 nF) on each analog input to suppress digital switching noise. Route analog traces away from PWM outputs and clock lines, and use a ground plane split with a single bridge under the MCU to avoid ground-loop currents. The on-chip comparator inputs (C1IN+/C1IN-) should be guarded if long traces are unavoidable.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip product page. The -I suffix denotes industrial temperature range (-40C to +85C); AEC-Q100 automotive grade is not available on this part.
